Looking to buy or sell a car online through eBay Motors? Make sure you’re aware of these 10 common eBay motor scams before you do. From fake cars to shipping and payment schemes, be on the lookout for anything that seems too good to be true because it probably is!
Read on for tips on how to protect yourself from an eBay motors scam and stay safe while trading online.
10 Common eBay Motors Scams
While an online car sale may seem appealing, it’s important to be aware of the most common scams that exist on platforms like eBay Motors. From fake listings to fraudulent payment methods, these scams can cost buyers both time and money. Let’s take a look at 10 scams to watch out for on eBay Motors…
1. eBay Gift Cards Scam
With this scam, a seller will list a car at a low price and require that the buyer purchase gift cards to use as payment. Once the buyer sends the payment, the seller will disappear and the buyer will be left without a car and out of pocket.
2. eBay Motors Covid Scam
Scammers are using the Covid pandemic to scam buyers out of their hard-earned money. For this scam, the scammer tells interested buyers that they cannot see or test drive the car due to the Covid risk.
3. Fraudulant Seller Scam
In this scam, the scammer poses as a legitimate seller but is actually trying to sell a stolen or fake car. They will use fake pictures and information to lure in buyers, and once the buyer sends payment, the scammer disappears without a trace.
4. Too Good To Be True Scam
As the old saying goes, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. This definitely applies to car buying on eBay Motors. Scammers will list cars at very low prices in an attempt to lure in naive buyers. Once the buyer sends payment, they will never receive the car.
5. Transaction outside of eBay Scam
If a seller insists on completing the transaction outside of eBay through something like a wire transfer, this is a major red flag. For your safety and utmost protection, transactions should always be conducted on the eBay platform.
More eBay Motors Scams
In addition to the scams above, here are some more scams to watch out for when using a car sales site like eBay Motors:
6. Beware of New, Non-Dealer Sellers
When buying a car on eBay, it’s important to be aware of new, non-dealer sellers. These types of sellers may not have the same level of experience or expertise as a dealer, and may not be as trustworthy.
7. Seller Asks for Non-Conventional Payment Methods
If a seller asks you to send them money via wire transfer or over the phone, this is a huge red flag. Always pay for your car on the eBay platform using a credit card or PayPal.
8. You Never Get the Car You Pay For
Some scammers will list a car for sale and then never send the car to the buyer, even after receiving payment. If you don’t receive the car you paid for, you may be able to file a claim with eBay.
9. You’re Sold a Dud
You buy what you think is a great car, but it turns out to be a lemon. In some cases, the seller may be aware that the car is a dud and is trying to unload it on an unsuspecting buyer.
10. eBay Buyers Motor Protection Scam
While eBay Motors offers a legitimate buyer protection program, scammers will attempt to offer their own version of this program to trick you into sending them money. They may even go so far as to create fake eBay Motors documents to support their scam.
- READ MORE: How to Make Money on eBay
Other eBay Motors Scams You May Encounter
You may encounter other scams, so add these fraudulent schemes to your list. They range from deceptive listings to dubious payment methods:
- Title Washing Scam: Fraudulent sellers may manipulate a vehicle’s title to conceal damage or salvage status.
- Overpayment Scam: Scammers may send a counterfeit check or money order for an amount exceeding the agreed price and ask for a refund of the difference.
- Shill Bidding: Dishonest sellers may create fake accounts to bid on their own items, artificially inflating the price.
- Non-Delivery Scam: After receiving payment, scammers never deliver the vehicle, leaving buyers empty-handed.
- Escrow Service Scam: Fraudsters may recommend an escrow service they control, leading to fake assurances of a safe transaction.
- Phishing Scam: Scammers might send fraudulent emails posing as eBay Motors, attempting to gather personal and financial information.
- Vehicle Reshipping Scam: Scammers pose as sellers, offering vehicles at low prices but insisting on using their preferred shipping service.
- Phony Protection Programs: Fraudsters create counterfeit eBay Motors buyer protection programs to extract money from buyers.
- Fraudulent Listings: Scammers fabricate listings using stolen images and vehicle information to entice buyers.
- False Payment Methods: Buyers should be cautious if sellers insist on unconventional payment methods like wire transfers.
How to Navigate eBay Motors Safely
eBay Motors’ popularity attracts many people, but that aspect also makes it a target for scams. It’s really important for users to be careful and know what to look out for when they use this platform. Scammers are skilled at exploiting trust and luring in unsuspecting victims, so staying informed and cautious is key to a safe experience. Here’s how to recognize and avoid being a target for bad players.
Recognizing and Avoiding eBay Motors Scams
Protecting yourself on eBay Motors requires both recognizing potential scams and knowing how to avoid them. Here are some pointers to help you stay safe:
How to Recognize an eBay Motors Scam:
- Suspiciously Low Prices: Extremely low prices can be a red flag.
- Pressure to Buy Quickly: Scammers often rush the sale.
- Avoiding Direct Communication: Genuine sellers usually welcome direct communication.
- Poor Listing Details: Look for detailed and clear listings.
- Refusal of Inspections: Sellers should allow vehicle inspections.
- Unconventional Payment Requests: Avoid non-standard payment methods.
- Phishing Attempts: Be cautious of emails asking for sensitive information.
- Vehicle History Mismatch: Always check the vehicle’s history.
Hot to Avoid eBay Motors Scams:
- Do Your Research: Thoroughly research the vehicle you’re interested in. Use online resources like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds for valuation and read the listing carefully.
- Check the Vehicle History Report (VHR): Order a VHR from companies like Carfax and AutoCheck to learn about the car’s history, including accidents and past use.
- Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have a professional inspect the car using the VIN before finalizing your purchase. This can reveal any hidden issues.
- Pay by Credit Card: This offers protection under the Fair Credit Billing Act, which can be helpful in case of fraud.
- eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection: This program covers eligible transactions up to $100,000. Familiarize yourself with it and know how to file a claim if needed.
By following these guidelines and being vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a scam on eBay Motors and ensure a safer transaction experience.
FAQs
How Do You Know If You’re Being Scammed on eBay Motors?
One way to know if you are being scammed on eBay Motors is by checking the seller’s feedback and doing research on the item being sold.
It is also helpful to review the eBay Motors Security Center, which provides information on common scams and tips for avoiding them.
Additionally, if a deal seems too good to be true or the seller tries to rush the transaction, it is likely a scam.
Is eBay Motors a Legitimate Company?
In short, eBay Motors is a legitimate company that specializes in the sale of vehicles and vehicle parts. As a subsidiary of the well-known eBay brand, eBay Motors has established a strong reputation for securely facilitating transactions between buyers and sellers.
Can You Get Scammed Using eBay Motors?
Yes, it is possible to fall victim to an eBay motors scam. Scammers may pose as legitimate sellers and offer to sell cars at extremely low prices. It is important to thoroughly research the seller and the vehicle before committing to a purchase on eBay Motors.
How Do eBay Vehicle Scams Work?
In general, eBay vehicle scams involve a scammer posing as a seller of a new or used car. They may use fake or stolen pictures and information to lure in unsuspecting buyers.
The scammer will then ask for a payment, and once the buyer sends the payment, they never receive the promised vehicle.
- READ MORE: How to Refund a Buyer on eBay
Image: Depositphotos
